UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama said: “The mass production and growing acceptance of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) will lead to the entire automotive eco-system evolving to embrace a more conscious and concerted effort in reducing Malaysia’s carbon footprint.”
He also said TMC's eco-friendly objectives are consistent with the Government’s aspirations to position the country as a progressive nation that promotes more green technology and environmental sustainability.
“This is indeed an exciting time for the Malaysian automotive industry and UMW Toyota Motor is fully charged and ready to champion this Malaysian dream.
“In order to achieve this, the most realistic, practical and immediate solution is Toyota Hybrid Electric technology and vehicles,” Takeyama said.
UMW Toyota Motor has been producing Toyota vehicles locally for more than 52 years.
The company had previously sold hybrid vehicles locally such as the Prius, Prius C and Camry Hybrid under the Toyota brand and CT200h, NX Hybrid, RX Hybrid and LS Hybrid under Lexus.
Prius.
Camry Hybrid.
CT200h.
As one of the pioneers of hybrid electric vehicle technology, Toyota is committed to have 70 electrified vehicle models by 2025, including vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel-cell electric, battery-electric, and hybrid electric.
To leverage on Toyota's agility to pivot its vehicle development towards the practical and sustainable solutions, where the eco-system, technology and infrastructure becomes viable, cost effective and widely accepted, UMW Toyota Motor will invest a further RM270mil locally into expanding its current manufacturing operations and facility.
UMW Toyota Motor’s new investment for eco-friendly initiatives is on top of an earlier RM2bil that went into the construction and commissioning of its new plant in Bukit Raja.
Regarded as one of the most modern, advanced and efficient Toyota plants in Asia, the Bukit Raja facility is already well positioned at the forefront of Malaysia’s aspiration to becoming a regional automotive hub in Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV).
Takeyama and Ravindran.
The plant’s environmental footprint includes the installation of 2MW of solar panels and in its ability to collect and recycle 156 cubic metres of rainwater.
It also holds the distinction of featuring the lowest Volatile Organic Compound emissions in Asia with the installation of a Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser.
UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the immediate steps the company could take to prevent global warming were to address its vehicles and manufacturing processes.
“It involves a conscientious change in mindset in society, educating the young of the importance of protecting the environment and requiring the active participation of all stakeholders,” he said, adding that both Toyota and UMW Toyota Motor’s interests have gone beyond the automotive realm to offset the effects the CO2 emissions.
Meanwhile, Takeyama said the local manufacturing of Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) would translate into advancing into a new era of motoring for Malaysian car buyers, one that gives them access to the latest and most innovative technologies, at a price point that is practical and accessible to the greater masses.
“Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) are a pivotal bridge to achieving full vehicle electrification. At present, the Battery Electric technology still requires time for full technology development making the Hybrid Electric technology most appropriate for immediate implementation.
“While time is still needed for full electrification, the HEV technology is ready today and the current infrastructure permits for it to be rolled out on a greater scale, ” he said.
